Volunteer with Youths in Conflict with the Law in the Philippines

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PROJECT OVERVIEW

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By volunteering with youths in conflict with the law, you can help coach and mentor young male adolescents who need to alter the course of their lives. As a volunteer, you not only put yourself into the position of a role-model, but also have the opportunity to empower the boys by sharing your talents, skills and interests.

The boys’ reaction to receiving an international volunteer is always extremely positive. Project staff often comment that volunteers offer that little extra support and guidance which helps contribute to the quicker rehabilitation of the boys. The economy of the Philippines has been depressed for a long period, and the recent global economic recession has contributed to a worsening economic situation for poor families. More children have dropped out of school to augment the family income.

But there aren’t many jobs available, and young children who by law aren’t supposed to be working, don’t earn much. Poverty, especially when it spans generations, leads to a breakdown of family cohesion. So it’s not surprising that the number of youth law violators and the severity of their offenses have been on the rise.

As a volunteer you will work with youth aged 13 to 19 who are being detained at a youth rehabilitation center. They have commited crimes such as drug dealing, and acts of violence. Due to their status as minors, they have been placed in this rehabilitation center rather than in a correctional facility. Despite the severity of some of the boys’ crimes, the center is not a jail. We stress to our volunteers that the boys inside the center are merely trying to make right their wrongs, hoping to change their lives after making mistakes. None of the boys are considered as being violent or dangerous, most are extremely courteous, polite and approachable.

WHY WE NEED YOU

The youth differ in life experiences. Many have committed crimes unintentionally and are simply victims of circumstances. Some may not have many positive role models in their lives or didn’t receive proper attention from their family. Your goal is to help meet the objective of the centre to modify the youth’s behavior.

Volunteer for the Visayans (VFV) hopes that its volunteers can transfer their specialist skills, interests and good attitude to these youths and corroboratively think of long term strategies to address the help with their rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the youths’ cases, many of them are not able to attend formal school. It is of great importance that they continue learning through non formal education and gain life skills such as baking, computer literacy, hairdressing, and other skills that would be valuable to them in the future.

You are encouraged to share and impart skills, talent, and knowledge with the boys at the center. This is the best way to prepare the boys for a brighter future.

PROJECT FACTS

Project Duration:4 weeks (minimum) – 6 months (maximum)

Cost:$960 US Dollars for 2 weeks, $80 for each week thereafter.

Availability: Available all year

Project Location: Tanauan, Leyte

Requirements: Minimum age 18

Training: Pre-Departure Information sent during application process; in depth local orientation conducted upon arrival.

Experience: No formal training is required though it is important that volunteers be compassionate, non-judgmental, and adaptable. Prospective volunteers who have experienced similar childhood trauma should have received counseling for themselves as working in this type of setting may result in the surfacing of painful, unresolved personal issues.

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